The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has announced the revival of its flagship Free Skills Acquisition Programme aimed at equipping young women and men with practical, income-generating skills to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, disclosed that registration for the first phase of the programme is now open to interested residents of Awka and its environs, adding that subsequent phases will be extended to other parts of the state.
Mrs. Onyekesi explained that the six-month intensive training programme aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to youth empowerment, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic development. She noted that participants will be trained by experienced facilitators and will acquire practical skills that can be immediately translated into viable sources of income.
The training will cover catering and confectionery, computer education, hairdressing, cosmetology, tailoring and fashion design, as well as textile crafts.
According to the Commissioner, registration forms are available for a token fee, while interested applicants are advised to visit the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Awka within the registration period to obtain and complete the forms. She noted that available slots are limited.
The Ministry stated that the programme is open to young people aged 18 years and above, with applications running from 13th July to 27th July, 2026.
It also called on community leaders, religious organizations, and youth groups in Awka to mobilize eligible young people to take advantage of the opportunity, describing the initiative as an investment in the future of Anambra’s youth and the state’s economic prosperity.
